NEWTON Abbot veteran Guy Jary has supported his fellow ex-services friend Paul Minter by running with him on a stint of his epic 5,000-mile run around the coast of Great Britain.

The challenge is in aid of Head Up, a charity promoting mental health awareness for the UK’s armed forces.

Guy, who now works for Westcountry homebuilder Cavanna Homes, served alongside Paul in Afghanistan before leaving the army and joining the construction industry. He accompanied Paul on a 15-mile stretch of the incredible fundraising run between Slapton Sands and Salcombe.

‘I hadn’t done any training and it was right in the middle of a heatwave, but there was no way I was going to let a close friend of mine run through my hometown without being there with him.

‘My work keeps me pretty fit, so I managed 15 miles and then I realised I was just slowing Paul down. He’s incredible, like a machine. He is running between 25-30 miles a day and is so focused on completing the run.’

Both Guy and Paul were troopers in the Household Cavalry and know only too well of the impact PTSD and other mental health issues can have on those who have served, or are serving, in a war zone.

Guy added: ‘Paul and I served together in Afghanistan for one tour which was particularly tough, and we lost a number of young lads. That’s why Paul’s mission to set up The Retreat is so important because it will do so much to support those who really need help.’

After 18 years in the army, Paul went on to found Head Up with four fellow ex-servicemen. As well as raising awareness of mental health issues in the services, Paul also wants to raise enough money to build The Retreat, a purpose-built centre where both ex and current personnel can get support if they are struggling.

To help in that mission, Paul is currently running the equivalent of 191 marathons in 218 days on a route around the UK that began in March and is due to end in early October.

Paul said, ‘This is a tough challenge, made easier by having people join me throughout, especially those who I know personally or served within the Army.

‘It was great fun to run with Guy, we made some incredible memories, and I am so thankful for all his support.’

► To follow the progress of the run, or to donate, visit: https://www.head-up.org.uk